Reps. Josh Gottheimer, Mikie Sherrill, and Tom Malinowski helped secure $1.7 million in funding for Zufall Health Centers under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, building on the $181,000 secured under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will provide the federal investment, which will support Zufall’s locations in Newton and Hackettstown as they respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
Zufall will use the funding to boost telehealth capacity to meet rising demand for virtual doctor’s visits in the wake of the pandemic. Additionally, it will address needs for screening and testing while securing additional medical supplies.
Expanding on Earlier Commitments
Rep Gottheimer said New Jersey counties have qualified for hundreds of millions of dollars in direct relief and support, and noted the funding would further his goal of ensuring the 5th District’s frontline workers access to the supplies and resources needed to effectively respond to the pandemic.
“This federal investment going to Newton and Hackettstown community health centers, in Sussex and Warren Counties respectively, will help boost care for patients and get healthcare workers and first responders tested as they continue battling this crisis,” he said.
Rep. Sherrill lauded Zufall’s pivot during the pandemic, as it changed some policies to serve an increasing patient load through technology and other methods.
“I promised to do more for our community health centers after we passed the first coronavirus response package, and this additional funding will go far to help Zufall continue its mission of serving my district’s residents in Sussex, Morris, and Essex counties as they face an unprecedented demand for their services,” she said.
Funding for Supplies, Testing
“The heroes at Zufall are on the front lines of this pandemic, and the additional funding we secured in the CARES Act will support their ability to detect, prevent, diagnose, and treat COVID-19,” said Rep. Malinowski.
“This critical funding that will help to keep our doors open over the next few months so we can continue to deliver vital services in response to the COVID-19 crisis,” said Eva Turbiner, Zufall’s president and CEO.
Zufall Health Center Inc., a Federally Qualified Health Center, operates across the state, including in Warren and Sussex counties. The not-for-profit works to support vulnerable populations, the uninsured, Medicare and Medicaid recipients, and those falling under federal poverty limits.
